Today, Partners for College Affordability and Public Trust released the following statement in response to the decision by the George Mason University Board of Visitors to approve a budget that freezes tuition and mandatory E&G fees for all undergraduate students. This decision follows action by state lawmakers to allocate an additional $52.5 million for tuition moderation at Virginia's public colleges and universities. While institutions must agree to freeze in-state tuition and mandatory E&G fees to qualify for their portion of this new funding, the General Assembly's plan does not extend to out-of-state tuition.

Ahead of today's meeting, the Board of Visitors held a public comment period to allow students to weigh in on the decision. While the General Assembly recently passed legislation requiring public colleges and university to hold public comment periods ahead of tuition decisions, the new law does not go into effect until July 1. Other institutions that have held similar public comment periods this spring include, Virginia Commonwealth University, James Madison University, the College of William & Mary, and Old Dominion University.

“While many Virginia universities are holding the line on tuition for in-state students this year, the George Mason University Board has gone above and beyond and extended that freeze to all undergraduate students," said Stacie Gordon, Partners' state advocacy manager. "It's commendable that the Board took action to promote greater affordability for all its undergraduates by finding the means within its existing finance structure."